Minneslate Logo

HF2444 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Department of Military Affairs and Department of Veterans Affairs budget established, accreditation and disclosure requirements for providers of veterans benefits services modified, memorial plague on State Capitol grounds required, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1959

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to establish a budget for the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs in Minnesota. It also introduces new rules for veterans benefit service providers and proposes the installation of a memorial plaque for Gold Star and Blue Star families at the State Capitol.

Main Provisions

  • Budget Appropriation: The bill outlines budget allocations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for both the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes funding for maintenance of training facilities, general support, holistic health initiatives, enlistment incentives, and emergency services.

  • Veterans Affairs Funding: Specific appropriations are designated for veterans programs and services, veterans health care, and other initiatives such as Veteran Community Health Navigators and a veteran suicide prevention program.

  • Regulations for Service Providers: The bill mandates accreditation and fee agreement requirements for individuals providing veterans benefits services for compensation. It prohibits guarantees on receiving specific veterans benefits and establishes penalties for violations.

  • Memorial Plaque: A memorial plaque honoring Gold Star and Blue Star families is to be placed on the State Capitol grounds. A public design competition will determine the design, which must be approved by relevant authorities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Accreditation Requirement: Service providers and referral agents must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs when offering veterans benefits services for compensation.

  • Prohibition on Benefit Guarantees: Service providers are prohibited from guaranteeing, either directly or indirectly, the receipt of specific veterans benefits.

  • Penalties for Violations: New penalties are introduced for non-compliance, including civil penalties up to $1,000 for each violation, which are treated as unlawful practices.

Relevant Terms

veterans benefits, accreditation, Gold Star families, Blue Star families, fiscal 2026, fiscal 2027, Minnesota Army National Guard, veterans homes, Medicare reimbursements, community health navigators, suicide prevention program, civil penalties, unlawful practice, Support Our Troops account.

Bill text versions

Upcoming committee meetings

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toVeterans and Military Affairs Division

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends the appropriation handling specific to Minnesota Statutes section 198.34, which deals with the operation of veterans homes facilities.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures specific funds may be transferred to the veterans homes special revenue account in accordance with section 198.34."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "198.34"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section of the bill links violations of new rules for veterans benefits services to existing unlawful practices under section 325F.69.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "325F.69"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Violations of the new veterans benefits rules are subject to remedies under section 325F.70, making enforcement consistent with other unlawful practices.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "325F.70"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Fines collected under the new rules are to be deposited in the Support Our Troops account, as established in section 190.19.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "190.19"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subsection clarifying disbursement rules."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates previous requirement for municipal matching funds."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies pension fund eligibility for volunteer firefighters under section 353G.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts pension payment schedule from annual to quarterly."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "353G.06"
  }
]

Sponsors